Modular medication case for improved regimen compliance

ABSTRACT

A modular smart packaging case comprising reversibly attachable electronics and detection modules is disclosed. The detection module includes a sensor array for monitoring the state of a blister pack containing a plurality of product units. The electronics module contains the high-value electronics required to read the sensors of the array, process the sensor output, and enable communications to and from the case. The electronics module and detection module are operatively coupled via a universal interface that enables the same electronics module to operate with a plurality of detection modules of different configurations. In some embodiments, the electronics module operatively couples with multiple detection modules.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/462,204, filed Feb. 22, 2017, entitled “ModularMedication Case for Improved Regimen Compliance,” (Attorney Docket:3005-006PR1), which is incorporated herein by reference.

If there are any contradictions or inconsistencies in language betweenthis application and the case that has been incorporated by referencethat might affect the interpretation of the claims in this case, theclaims in this case should be interpreted to be consistent with thelanguage in this case.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to packaging in general, and, moreparticularly, to smart packaging.

BACKGROUND

The term “packaging” refers to the collection of different componentsthat surround a product from the time of its production until its use.It typically serves many purposes, often simultaneously, such asproviding protection from physical damage during shipping and handling,theft deterrence, inhibiting contamination, providing protection fromelectrical damage due to electrostatic discharge, etc., preventingtampering, inhibiting product degradation, and the like.

In recent years, the blister card has become a primary form of packagingfor many products, such as toys, hardware, electronics, and medications.The primary component of a blister card is a cavity made in a formablelayer, which usually is made of a type of thermoformed plastic. In somecases, the formable layer is folded back onto itself, thereby sealingthe cavity and forming a “clamshell” package. More typically, a liddingseal of metal foil is joined to the formable layer as a backing layer toseal the cavities thereby forming one or more enclosed reservoirs.

As the blister card has become rather ubiquitous, there has beenincreasing interest in improving its utility by adding intelligence.Referred to as “smart,” “active,” or “connected” packaging, suchpackages include sensors and monitoring circuitry that can be used toprovide product status, monitor freshness, track temperature exposure,record shocks imparted to the package, send an alert when one or moreproduct units have been removed from a package, and the like. Further,it is possible to include complex product codes that are very difficultto copy, thereby frustrating counterfeit attempts. As a result, suchadded intelligence can enhance theft deterrence, inhibit productcounterfeiting, enable tracking of product end-to-end (i.e., fromproduction to the consumer), etc.

Unfortunately, conventional approaches for providing intelligentpackaging are typically complex, expensive, and often easily damaged. Inaddition, blister cards come in many forms and sizes, with the number ofproduct sites varying over a wide range. As a result, conventional smartpackaging approaches have had to be customized to the specific productbeing tracked. Such customized packaging is expensive, requiresretooling for every new product introduction, and leads to inventorymanagement issues, since it requires that each custom package have itsown SKU (stock keeping unit). The costs associated with the developmentof customized electronics, packaging, as well as inventory control,tracking SKUs, etc., has, to date, limited the successful introductionof smart packaging in many applications.

The need for a simple, lower-cost smart-packaging approach that enablesend-to-end tracking of a packaged product remains, as yet, unmet.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure describes embodiments of a smart medicine casewithout some of the costs and disadvantages of the prior art. Cases inaccordance with the present disclosure are modular such that relativelymore expensive components are located within an electronics module thatis reversibly attachable with detection modules that contain relativelyless expensive components. As a result, the electronics module can bere-used by detaching it from one detection module and re-attaching it toa different detection module. Embodiments in accordance with the presentdisclosure are particularly well suited for use in oral contraceptivepill (OCP) applications, long-term medication monitoring, and the like.

An illustrative embodiment is a modular medicine case that includes anelectronics module and a detection module, where the modules areelectrically and mechanically coupled via standard electrical andmechanical interfaces, respectively. A reversible latch engagesautomatically to join the two modules when they are brought intoalignment via the mechanical interface.

The electronics module includes electrical componentry required forinterfacing with a sensor array for monitoring the state of a blistercard held in the detection module, as well as communications circuitryfor wirelessly communicating with a base station. In the illustrativeembodiment, the electronics module includes processing logic, memory,communications circuitry, power-conditioning electronics, andsensor-readout electronics. In some embodiments, additional electronicsis included in the electronics module to facilitate, for example,detection of counterfeit blister cards, issue alerts to the user,accommodate multiple detection modules, interact with a smart stylus,and the like.

The detection module includes a printed-circuit-board comprising anarray of capacitance sensors, a receiver for seating a blister cardrelative to the capacitance sensors, and a housing for enclosing thereceiver and blister card. In some embodiments, the detection moduleincludes one or more sensors other than capacitive sensors. In someembodiments, the detection module includes electronic circuitryconfigured, for example, to authenticate the blister card, interact witha smart stylus, and the like.

The electronics and detection modules are electrically coupled throughan electrical interface, which is standardized such that the any of aplurality of detection modules can be electrically coupled with theelectronics module.

In similar fashion, the modules are coupled through a mechanicalinterface that is standardized such that any of the plurality ofdetection modules can be mechanically coupled with the electronicsmodule. The mechanical interface physically aligns the modules and thecomponents of the electrical interface located on each module. In someembodiments, the mechanical interface is keyed to ensure properorientation of the two modules when they are joined.

In the illustrative embodiment, the latch includes a pair of resilientcatches that are disposed at the mating portions of the modules torigidly hold the modules together when they are brought into theircoupled relationship. In some embodiments, the latch comprises adifferent latching mechanism.

The modularity of embodiments in accordance with the present disclosureprovides several advantages over the prior art, including:

-   -   i. standard electrical and mechanical interfaces between the        modules; or    -   ii. robust mechanical interface and reliable electrical        connectivity; or    -   iii. consistent industrial design and quality; or    -   iv. ease of detector-module interchangeability (i.e., no        complicated assembly and disassembly); or    -   v. amortization of the cost of expensive electronics over a        plurality of detection modules; or    -   vi. any combination of i, ii, iii, iv, and v.

In some embodiments, the modular medicine case includes expansioncomponents that enable it to be stacked with other modular medicinecases to collectively define a multi-blister-card unit.

In some embodiments, a modular case includes a hinge that enables asingle electronics module to electrically and mechanically couple with aplurality of detection modules, each containing a different blistercard. In some of these embodiments, the hinging structure includes atrack system that enables access to each detection module by allowingother detection modules to be rotated away from the desired detectionmodule.

In some embodiments, a stylus is included in the modular case tofacilitate dispensing of the tablets from the blister card. In some ofthese embodiments, the stylus is a smart stylus that includes one ormore sensors (e.g., force sensors, contact switches, etc.), one or morephotodiodes, magnets, motion sensors, and the like.

An embodiment in accordance with the present disclosure is a modularcase for monitoring the state of a blister card that includes a formingfilm, a lidding film, and a first tablet contained in a first reservoirdefined by the forming film and the lidding film, wherein the systemcomprises: (1) a first detection module comprising: (i) a first housingfor holding the blister card; (ii) a receiver that is configured tolocate the blister card in a first position within the first housing;and (iii) a first sensor that is configured to operatively couple withthe blister card when the blister card is in the first position suchthat the first sensor is operative for providing a first electricalsignal that is based on at least one of (a) the presence of the firsttablet in the first reservoir and (b) the physical state of a firstdispensing region of the lidding film; (2) a first electronics modulecomprising: (i) sensor circuitry that is operative for measuring thefirst electrical signal; (ii) communications circuitry configured tocommunicate with an external device; and (iii) a second housing forenclosing the sensor circuitry and the communications circuitry; and (3)a first electrical interface that is configured to reversiblyelectrically couple the first sensor and the sensor circuitry, whereinthe first electrical interface includes a first socket and a first plug,and wherein the first electronics module comprises one of the first plugand the first socket, and wherein the first detection module comprisesthe other one of the first plug and the first socket.

Another embodiment in accordance with the present disclosure is a methodfor monitoring the state of at least one blister card, wherein themethod comprises: (1) providing a first detection module comprising: (i)a first housing for holding a first blister card, wherein the firstblister card includes a first forming film, a first lidding film, and afirst plurality of tablets, each tablet of the first plurality thereofbeing held within a different first reservoir of a plurality thereof,the plurality of first reservoirs being arranged in a first arrangement,and each first reservoir of the plurality thereof including a firstdispensing region; (ii) a first receiver that is configured to locatethe first blister card in a first position within the first housing; and(iii) a first plurality of sensors that is arranged in the firstarrangement, the first plurality of sensors being operative forproviding a first plurality of electrical signals, each electricalsignal of the first plurality thereof being based on at least one of (a)the presence of a different tablet of the first plurality thereof and(b) the state of a different first dispensing region of the pluralitythereof; and (2) reversibly electrically coupling the first detectionmodule and a first electronics module at a first electrical interfacecomprising a first socket and a first plug, wherein the firstelectronics module includes: (i) first sensor circuitry that isoperative for measuring each electrical signal of the first pluralitythereof; (ii) first communications circuitry configured to communicatewith an external device; and (iii) a second housing for enclosing thefirst sensor circuitry and the first communications circuitry; whereinthe first electronics module comprises one of the first plug and thefirst socket, and wherein the first detection module comprises the otherone of the first plug and the first socket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A depicts a functional block diagram of a modular medicine case inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 1B depicts a schematic drawing of a perspective view of a blistercard in accordance with the illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 2 depicts a schematic drawing of an electronics module inaccordance with the illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 3A-B depict schematic drawings of perspective views from the topand bottom sides of a detection module in accordance with theillustrative embodiment.

FIG. 4 depicts a schematic drawing of a top view of a sensor array inaccordance with the illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 5A depicts a schematic drawing of a cross-sectional view of asensor of sensor array 118 in an operatively coupled arrangement with atablet region of blister card 126.

FIG. 5B depicts a schematic drawing of a cross-sectional view of analternative capacitance sensor in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 5C depicts a schematic drawing of a cross-section of a region of adetection module configured to monitor the state of a blister card viaEIT.

FIG. 5D depicts examples of electrode shapes and arrangements suitablefor use in contact electrodes 510.

FIG. 6A depicts an image showing electronics module 102 and detectionmodule 104 in a disengaged state in accordance with the illustrativeembodiment.

FIG. 6B depicts an image showing an alternative configuration of amodular medicine case in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 depicts operations of a method suitable for identifying adetection module when it is engaged with an electronics module.

FIGS. 8A-B depict schematic drawings of perspective views of amulti-prescription smart medicine case, before and after the opening ofone of the cases, respectively, in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 9 depicts a schematic drawing of a perspective views of analternative example of a multi-prescription smart medicine case inaccordance with the present disclosure.

FIGS. 10A-B depicts schematic drawings of perspective views of the topand bottom, respectively, of another alternative example of amulti-prescription smart medicine case in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 10C shows a simplified view of the flex-circuit connections betweenrotating connectors 1006 and PCB 1012, which is included in electronicsmodule 1002.

FIG. 10D depicts case 1000 with detection module 1004-1 in a rotatedposition and opened to afford access to its blister card.

FIGS. 11A-B depicts schematic drawings of perspective views of anotheralternative example of a multi-prescription smart medicine case in itsquiescent state and with one detection module rotated out, respectively,in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 depicts another alternative embodiment of a modular pill case inaccordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 depicts yet another alternative embodiment of a modular pillcase in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIGS. 14 depicts an exploded perspective view of an exemplarypseudo-blister card in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 depicts a cross-sectional drawing of a portion of an alternativedetection system suitable for use in detection module 104.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A depicts a functional block diagram of a modular medicine case inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment in accordance with thepresent disclosure. Case 100 includes electronics module 102, detectionmodule 104, electrical interface 106, mechanical interface 108, andlatch 110. Case 100 is a modular smart case for tracking the state ofblister card 126, which in the depicted example, is an OCP blister card.One skilled in the art will recognize, however, after reading thisSpecification, that the teachings of the present disclosure areapplicable to myriad product tracking applications, such as consumerelectronics, toys, healthcare and beauty care products (e.g., razorblades, etc.), foodstuffs, toner cartridges, and the like. Case 100, andits operation, is analogous to smart medicine cases described in U.S.Patent Publications 2016-0103085-A1 and 2017-0294105-A1, each of whichis incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 1B depicts a schematic drawing of a perspective view of a blistercard in accordance with the illustrative embodiment. A cross-section ofone tablet region of the blister card is shown in Inset 1, where thecross-section is taken through line a-a of FIG. 1B.

Blister card 126 includes a plurality of tablets 128, each of which iscontained within reservoir 136. Reservoir 136 is formed by forming film130 and dispensing region 138, which is the region of lidding film 132that forms the bottom of reservoir 136 and is the lidding-film portionthrough which tablet 128 is pushed when it is dispensed.

Forming film 130 is a layer of thermoformed plastic in which cavitiesfor holding tablets 128 are formed.

Lidding film 132 is a thin sheet of aluminum foil. In some embodiments,lidding film 132 is a sheet of another electrically conductive material.In some embodiments, lidding film 132 includes a sheet of conductivematerial and a sheet of electrically insulating material, such as apaper sheet (with a printed calendar or instructions), polymer, etc.After tablets 128 are dispensed into the cavities of forming film 130,lidding film 132 is joined with the forming film to seal the cavities,thereby forming reservoirs 136, which enclose tablets 128. Typically, acalendar that describes the drug regimen is printed on the card and/orotherwise provided as part of the blister card.

The region of lidding film 132 that seals each cavity to form areservoir defines dispensing region 138, through which its respectivetablet 128 is dispensed by pushing the tablet through the lidding foil.

One skilled in the art will recognize that many types of medication areoffered in a form suitable for packaging in a blister card, such aspills, capsules, lozenges, etc. For the purposes of this Specification,including the appended claims, the term “tablet” is used as a generalterm that encompasses all such medicinal forms.

FIG. 2 depicts a schematic drawing of an electronics module inaccordance with the illustrative embodiment. Electronics module 102includes housing 202, electronic circuitry 112, communications circuitry114, socket 204, receivers 206, and catches 208.

Housing 202 is a conventional molded plastic housing configured toenclose electronics circuitry 112 and communications circuitry 114 in asubstantially environmentally sealed environment.

Electronic circuitry 112 includes controller 210, memory 212, sensorcircuit 214, power circuit 216, display circuit 218, and sleep-modecircuitry 220. The circuitry included in electronics circuitry 112enable it to interface with the sensor array included in detectionmodule 104, as well as receive and condition the output signals of eachsensor (e.g., provide pre-amplification, digitization, etc.), providepower conditioning and management, display information to the user, etc.

Controller 210 is a conventional processor having signal processing andcomputation capabilities.

Memory 212 is a conventional memory module for storing information anddata.

Sensor circuit 214 is configured to receive sensor signals from thesensor array of detection module 104 via electrical interface 106,measure the sensor signals to detect changes in the state of a blistercard held in the detection module, and the like.

Power circuit 216 includes an energy-storage unit and power managementcircuitry. In the depicted example, the energy-storage unit is arechargeable battery; however, a different energy-storage unit can beused in power circuit 216 without departing from the scope of thepresent disclosure. Energy-storage units suitable for use in embodimentsin accordance with the present disclosure include, without limitation,non-rechargeable batteries, super capacitors, and the like. In someembodiments, power circuit 216 includes one or more energy-scavengingdevices (e.g., solar cells, vibration harvesters, etc.) for passivelyrecharging the energy-storage unit.

Display circuit 218 includes a status indicator and drive circuitry forthe status indicator. In the depicted example, the status indicator is asimple light-emitting diode (LED); however, other status indicators,such as liquid-crystal displays, LED-based displays, speakers, buzzers,and the like, can be used in display circuit 218 without departing fromthe scope of the present disclosure.

Sleep-mode circuitry 220 includes low-power dissipation circuitry, awake-up circuit, and a low-power-dissipation accelerometer. Sleep-modecircuitry 220 facilitates long battery life between charges by enablingan extremely low-power dissipation mode during periods of caseinactivity. In response to an environmental stimulus, such as detectionof activity by the accelerometer (e.g., shock and/or vibrationassociated with shaking the case, etc.), a wake-up signal received fromexternal device 120, and the like, the wake-up circuit activateselectronics circuitry 112 such that it operates in a conventionalpower-dissipation mode in which it can determine the state of theblister card located in detection module 104 and output its status tothe user.

Communications circuitry 114 includes a wireless Bluetooth Low-Energy(BLE) transceiver for sending status signal 122 to external device 120and receiving operational communications 124 from external device 120.In some embodiments, communications circuitry includes a different wiredand/or wireless communications electronics, such as FireWire, USB,lightning connector, a dock connector, cellular, WiFi,near-field-communications (NFC) radio, optical links, etc.

In the depicted example, external device 120 is a smart phone that runsa software application (i.e., a mobile app) that provides assistance tothe patient and/or caregiver to achieve and maintain good adherence tothe prescribed drug regimen. In some embodiments, external device 120communicates with a different device, such as a different mobile device,a computer and/or base station.

The case and smartphone app collectively determine the state of theblister card and provides a visual and/or audible indication ofadherence. If failure to follow the regimen is detected, the smartphonecontacts one or more people in the user's defined support group (e.g., acaregiver, spouse, child, doctor, etc.) to alert them that the usermight require assistance.

Socket 204 is a conventional electrical socket that is a first portionof electrical interface 106. Socket 204 is configured to receive a plugdisposed on detection module 104. Once the socket and plug are engaged,electrical communication between electronics circuitry 112 and sensorarray 118 on the detection module is enabled.

Receivers 206 are a pair of conventional female mechanical connectorsthat collectively define a first portion of mechanical interface 108.Receivers 206 are configured to engage a pair of conventional malemechanical connectors included in detection module 104. In the depictedexample, the receivers and male mechanical connectors are configured toenable only one orientation between the electronics and detectionmodules (i.e., they are “keyed”) to ensure that the modules engageproperly.

Catches 208 are mechanical structures that define a first portion oflatch 110. Each of catches 208 is configured to engage a mating springbolt that extend from the mating surface of detection module 104.Catches 208 reversibly locks the two modules together to form a fullyassembled smart medicine case.

It should be noted that the configuration and capabilities ofelectronics module 102 described above is merely exemplary and thatmyriad alternative configurations having more or less electronicsfunctionality can be used for the electronics module without departingfrom the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in someembodiments, electronics module 102 includes, without limitation:

-   -   i. additional processing capability; or    -   ii. onboard clock circuitry; or    -   iii. energy scavenging systems, or    -   iv. alternative or additional sensor interface circuitry; or    -   v. alternative or additional on-case alerts (e.g., LCD displays,        speakers, buzzers, etc.); or    -   vi. environmental (e.g., touch, temperature, acceleration,        humidity, shock, geolocation, etc.) sensors; or    -   vii. any combination of i, ii, iii, iv, v, and vi.

One skilled in the art will recognize, after reading this Specification,that the design features of housing 100 are based on the particulararrangement of blister card 102, as well as the sensing technology usedto monitor its state and, as provided herein, are merely exemplary.Myriad alternative design features are possible without departing fromthe scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A-B depict schematic drawings of perspective views from the topand bottom sides of a detection module in accordance with theillustrative embodiment. Detection module 104 includes housing 302,receiver 116, sensor array 118, plug 308, connectors 310, and springbolts 312.

Housing 302 is a conventional molded plastic housing comprising body 316and lid 318.

Body 316 is a substantially rigid platen comprising an array of holes320, clasp 322, and optional view port 324.

Each hole 320 is aligned with a different sensor of sensor array 118.The arrangement of holes 320 matches that of the arrangement of tabletsin blister card 126, and the holes are configured to enable a tablet topass through body 316 when dispensed.

View port 324 is an opening formed in body 316 to expose a portion ofblister card 126 for viewing. View port 324 is optionally included toenable information printed on a blister card to be read through housing302.

Lid 318 is a substantially rigid “clam shell” structure that includescatch 326, which engages clasp 322 when lid 318 is closed to hold thebody and lid together.

Receiver 116 includes frame 304 and seat 306, which are collectivelyconfigured to locate blister card 126 such that each tablet location ofthe blister card is operatively coupled with a different sensor ofsensor array 118 and a different one of holes 320.

Frame 304 is a substantially rigid plate comprising apertures 328, eachof which exposes a different tablet of the blister card when the frameis locked in place. Frame 304 is connected to body 316 via conventionalhinge 330, which allows the frame to rotate out of the way to enableinstallation of a blister card in the detection module and rotate backover the blister card to engage with a catch (not shown) that securesthe frame and blister card to body 316.

Seat 306 is a recessed region of body 316 that is configured to acceptblister card 126 and laterally position it to align its tablets withsensor array 118 and holes 320. In some embodiments, seat 306 is notincluded. In some embodiments, seat 306 is formed as part of frame 304.

Sensor array 118 is an array of sensors that is arranged in anarrangement that matches that of the tablets included in blister card126. Sensor array 118 (not seen in FIGS. 3A-B) resides between body 316and blister card 126 such that each of its sensors is operativelycoupled with a different tablet site when the blister card is secured inhousing 302.

FIG. 4 depicts a schematic drawing of a top view of a sensor array inaccordance with the illustrative embodiment. Sensor array 118 comprisescapacitance sensors 402-1 through 402-28, which are formed in substrate404 such that they have the same arrangement as tablets 128.

Each of sensors 402-1 through 402-28 (referred to, collectively, assensors 402) includes electrodes 406A and 406B, which are formed withinsubstrate 404. In the depicted example, sensors 402 are capacitancesensors that are arranged in a 4×7 array. Although sensor array 118employs capacitive sensing technology to monitor the state of blistercard 126, many alternative sensing technologies can be employed indetection module 104 without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure. Sensing technologies suitable for use in embodiments inaccordance with the present disclosure include, without limitation,strain sensing, optical sensing, acoustic sensing, and tactile sensing,among others.

Substrate 404 is a conventional printed-circuit board (PCB) throughwhich through-holes 408 are formed. Through-holes 408 extend throughsubstrate 404 to allow for the passage of each of the tablets of blistercard 126 through detection module 104 when it is dispensed from theblister card. In some embodiments, substrate 404 comprises a flexiblematerial or is incorporated into a different surface of case 100 (e.g.,its lid, back surface, etc.) by, for example, embedding components intothe material of housing 302, printing electronic elements on the surfaceitself, and the like.

Electrodes 406A and 406B are disposed within substrate 404 such thatthey collectively substantially surround through-hole 408. In operation,electrodes 406A and 406B are positioned in close proximity to theportion of lidding film 132 located beneath their respective tablet 128.

FIG. 5A depicts a schematic drawing of a cross-sectional view of asensor of sensor array 118 in an operatively coupled arrangement with atablet region of blister card 126. The view depicted in FIG. 5A is takenthrough line b-b of FIG. 4.

Sensor 402-i includes electrodes 406A and 406B, which are formed withinthe body of substrate 404 such that, when blister card 126 is in contactwith sensor array 118, the capacitance between the electrodes of eachsensor 402-i is significantly affected by the state dispensing region138-i, which is the region of lidding film 132 that forms the bottom ofreservoir 136-i.

In each sensor 402-i, the conductive material (i.e., lidding film 132)of its dispensing region 138-i forms fringing fields with its electrodes406A and 406B. These fringing fields impact the capacitance of thecapacitive sensor giving it a first value when the dispensing region isintact. When tablet 128-i is dispensed, however, the breakage ofdispensing region 138-i changes the physical configuration between thelidding film material and electrodes 406A and 406B, which affects thefringing fields and, therefore, the capacitance of sensor 402-i. Itshould be noted that the capacitance of sensor 402-i changes whether ornot the material of dispensing region 138-i breaks away entirely orpieces of it remain hanging in hole 408 thereafter. It should also benoted that such capacitive change is operative for a lidding film 132comprising a multilayer of materials (i.e., combinations of metal, paperand/or plastic), be the individual layers electrically conductive ornot—the latter of which (even though electrically not biased) affectsthe effective dielectric constant in the gap between the sensingelectrodes 406A and 406B.

To sense the capacitance of each sensor 402-i, lidding film 132 istypically electrically grounded, while each electrodes 406A and 406B isconnected to a high-impedance sense circuit. In some embodiments,lidding film 132 is left electrically “floating;” however, grounding thelidding film is preferable because it provides improved sense-signalstability and noise immunity. Unfortunately, sensors 402 can besensitive to external noise and interference, such as stray or parasiticcapacitances, electromagnetic interference (EMI), and the like.

In some embodiments, in order to mitigate the effects of noise andinterference, electrodes 406A and 406B are segmented into more than twocircumferential sections. Using such electrode configurations,capacitive sensing is implemented by monitoring the change in thecapacitance between the electrode segments, which is still affected byfringing fields between the electrode segments and the aluminum foilover the hole. Unfortunately, while segmenting electrodes 406A and 406Bprovides some measure of noise immunity, noise and interferences canstill be a problem.

FIG. 5B depicts a schematic drawing of a cross-sectional view of analternative capacitance sensor in accordance with the presentdisclosure. Sensor 502-i is suitable for use in detection module 104 andcomprises substrate 404, electrodes 504, 506 and 508. Sensor 502-i hassignificantly improved noise immunity as compared to sensor 402.

Each of electrodes 504, 506 and 508 is a ring electrode that is formedwithin substrate 404 such that they are parallel. Electrode 504 and 506are located between lidding film 132 and electrode 508. Electrodes 504and 506 collectively define a first parallel-plate capacitor withinsubstrate 404. Additional capacitances are available from pair-wisecombinations of lidding film 132 and electrodes 504, 506 and 508.

For example, electrodes 504 and 506 can operate as a sense capacitancethat is sandwiched between lidding film 132 and electrode 508, whichshield this sense capacitance from noise and interference emanating fromabove blister card 102 and below body 316.

The initial value of the sense capacitance arising from electrodes 506and 508 is determined by the mutual capacitance between theseelectrodes.

The sense capacitance arising from electrodes 504 and 506 is affected bythe physical configuration of dispensing region 138-i.

Dispensing a tablet results in breaking dispensing region 138-i. As thetablet is pushed out, this broken portion of the lidding film deflectsinto hole 408, affecting the sense capacitance comprising electrodes 504and 506.

The sense capacitance arising from electrodes 504 and 506 is alsocharacterized by a substantially fixed capacitance resulting from theirparallel overlap within substrate 404.

The operation of sensor 502-i is analogous to that of sensor 402-i;however, the fringing-field capacitances of sensor 502-i are shieldedfrom stray capacitances, due for example to those from human touch.

In some embodiments, additional shielding is provided for senseelectrodes 504 and 506 by adding shielding lines that surround eachsense electrode in its plane within substrate 404.

Each of sensors 402 is electrically connected to sensing circuitry inelectronics module 102 via electrical traces (not shown for clarity) andelectrical interface 106. As a result, each sensor can be monitoredindividually to enable specificity of the dispensing of each tablet 128in blister card 126. In some embodiments, sensors 402 are electricallyconnected and interrogated using a row/column addressing scheme.

OCP represents one of many applications in which it is critical to beable to identify which tablet has been dispensed during a dispensingevent. The hormonal content of each tablet is dependent on the dayduring the blister card's use cycle. One skilled in the art willrecognize, however, after reading this Specification, that not allmedication requires the ability to uniquely identify the identity of atablet that has been dispensed and, as a result, the sensing approachused to detect tablet dispensing can be greatly simplified. For example,in some cases, all of the tablets of a blister card are substantiallyidentical. In some embodiments in accordance with the presentdisclosure, therefore, all of sensors 402 are electrically connected inparallel or serially and specificity for which tablet 128 is dispensedis not enabled. In some such embodiments, a single sensor is used todetect dispensing events, such as an accelerometer operatively coupledwith the blister card, a single capacitive sensor that spans all thetablet sites such that each dispensing event is indicated by a change inthe capacitance of this solitary capacitor.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, row/column sensing is simplified torow or column sensing wherein, for example, one electrode of acapacitive sensor is common to an entire row or column of tabletlocations, while the other electrode is divided into site-specificindividual electrodes.

In such embodiments, exhaustion of a blister card (which denotes arefill is due) can be detected in numerous ways, such as simply trackingthe dispensing events and comparing their count to the total count ofthe tablets on the blister card as provided or monitoring of the totalmagnitude of the sensor output signal change with dispensing events andcomparing the result with a reference magnitude change determined, forexample, by prior calibration operation.

In some embodiments, if exhaustion of the blister card is detected, analert is sent to the user and/or the user's care circle to warn themthat the blister card is now empty. In some embodiments, this warning isgenerated when the number of tablets in the blister card has dropped toa threshold level so as to initiate a refill reminder to the user oruser's care circle, or generate a refill request directly to thepharmacy.

In many capacitive sensing embodiments, it is often desirable to provideelectrical shielding implementations to reduce, if not eliminate,parasitic effects. By extension it may at times be advantageous tofurther shield parasitic capacitances (e.g., those that arise from theuser touching these case) by incorporating a conductive shield (that iselectrically isolated from substrate 404) into the bottom surface of thecase under the area the pill card is received. Such shielding can beachieved in many ways, such as using conductive paint on the backside ofthe case and/or the inside surface of the underside over which substrate404 is placed. Other suitable approaches employ a thin metallic film(e.g., aluminum foil) in these locations. In operation, such shieldswould typically be connected to the electrical ground of the circuitryincluded in case 100.

It should be noted that sensing approaches other than the use of adedicated sensor for each tablet location can be used in embodiments inaccordance with the present disclosure.

For example, several approaches for blister-pack monitoring based on theuse of electrical impedance tomography (EIT) are described in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/879,874, filed Oct. 9, 2015 (AttorneyDocket: 3005-002US1), which is incorporated herein by reference. Suchapproaches are suitable for use in sensing the rupture of a dispensingregion 138 and its location within blister card 126. Using EIT, theresistance (or impedance) of a dispensing region 138 can be detected bymonitoring its impedance distribution via electrical contacts located atthe periphery of the blister card.

FIG. 5C depicts a schematic drawing of a cross-section of a region of adetection module configured to monitor the state of a blister card viaEIT.

Contact electrodes 510 can be realized using the top PCB metal layer ofsubstrate 404. To further facilitate contact to the lidding film of theblister card, the electrodes can include solder disposed on their topsurfaces. Alternatively, the electrode may incorporate externalcomponents assembled on the PCB to facilitate contact.

FIG. 5D depicts examples of electrode shapes and arrangements suitablefor use in contact electrodes 510. Electrode arrangements 512 and 516enable simple resistance or impedance measurement between the electrodesto enable them to sense a break in lidding film 132 between them.Electrode arrangements 514 and 518 enable four-point probe measurementsacross a dispensing region 138. It should be noted that the shapes andarrangements shown in FIG. 5D represent only a few examples inaccordance with the present disclosure. The shape, size, number andarrangement of contact electrodes can be optimized for a desired sensingsensitivity and reliability, as well as sensing power consumptionconsiderations.

In some embodiments, an alternative sensing technique is employed,wherein one or more electrical switches are disposed at or near theperiphery of each hole. As a pill is pushed through a hole, the switchesprovide a signal that indicates a pill has been dispensed. In someembodiments, the switches are permanently latching to provide apermanent indication of which pills have been dispensed.

Returning now to FIGS. 3A-B, plug 308 is a male electrical connectorthat mates with socket 204 to electrically couple electronics module 102and detection module 104. Plug 308 and socket 204 collectively defineelectrical interface 106. Although plug 308 is included in detectionmodule 104 and socket 204 is included in electronics module 102 in thedepicted example, in some embodiments, the locations of these componentsis reversed. In other words, in some embodiments, plug 308 is includedin electronics module 102 and socket 204 is included in detection module104. Furthermore, myriad designs for socket 204 and plug 308 can be usedin accordance with the present disclosure without departing from itsscope.

Connectors 310 are male mechanical connectors that mate with receivers206 to align electronics module 102 and detection module 104. Typically,connectors 310 and receivers 206 enable only one orientation of theelectronics and detection modules to ensure their proper alignment.Connectors 310 and receivers 206 collectively define mechanicalinterface 108. Although connectors 310 are included in detection module104 and receivers 206 are included in electronics module 102 in thedepicted example, in some embodiments, the locations of these componentsis reversed. In other words, in some embodiments, connectors 310 areincluded in electronics module 102 and receivers 206 are included indetection module 104. Furthermore, myriad designs for connectors 310 andreceivers 206 can be used in accordance with the present disclosurewithout departing from its scope.

Each of spring bolts 312 is a resilient element that is configured toreversibly engage catch 208 to lock the electronics module 102 anddetection module 104 together. Spring bolts 312 and catches 208collectively define latch 110. In the depicted example, to detach themodules, spring bolts 312 are depressed to disengage them from catches208, thereby enabling the separation of electronics module 102 anddetection module 104. Although spring bolts 312 are included indetection module 104 and catches 208 are included in electronics module102 in the depicted example, in some embodiments, the locations of thesecomponents is reversed. In other words, in some embodiments, springbolts 312 are included in electronics module 102 and catches 208 areincluded in detection module 104. Furthermore, myriad designs forcatches 208 and spring bolts 312 can be used in accordance with thepresent disclosure without departing from its scope.

As noted above, electrical interface 106, mechanical interface 108, andlatch 110 collectively define a universal interface (i.e., universalinterface 134) that enables electronics module 102 to be operativelycoupled with any of a plurality of detection module designs inreversible fashion.

FIG. 6A depicts an image showing electronics module 102 and detectionmodule 104 in a disengaged state in accordance with the illustrativeembodiment.

FIG. 6B depicts an image showing an alternative configuration of amodular medicine case in accordance with the present disclosure. Case600 includes electronics module 102 and detection module 602, which aredepicted in a disengaged, but aligned, configuration. In the depictedexample, detection module 602 is a detection module configured formonitoring the state of a 28-day OCP blister card having a circularformat.

FIG. 7 depicts operations of a method suitable for identifying adetection module when it is engaged with an electronics module.

Method 700 begins with operation 701, wherein electronics module 102detects a first characteristic for the blister card located in detectionmodule 104. In the depicted example, first characteristic is the numberof tablets included in the blister card, which is identified bydetecting the number of sensors 402 present in detection module 104.Since the sensors are co-located with the holes through which the pillsare dispensed, the number of intended blisters/pills should correspondto the number of sensors in the detection module. In some embodiments,the first characteristic is the arrangement of tablets 128 in blistercard 126.

At operation 702, the user enters the type of blister card expected tobe contained in detection module 104. Typically, this is done throughexternal device 120, via an input device included in case 100, or viasome combination thereof.

At operation 703, electronics module 102 receives the physicalcharacteristics of the blister card expected to be in the detectionmodule from external device 120.

At operation 704, electronics module 102 transmits the firstcharacteristic identified for blister card 126 to external device 120.

At operation 705, the first characteristic identified for blister card126 is compared to the first characteristic for the expected blistercard to verify whether the appropriate blister card is located indetection module 104. In some embodiments, this verification isperformed by an application on the external device. In some embodiments,the verification is performed by electronics module 102. In someembodiments, verification is performed cooperatively by the externaldevice and the electronics module.

If the verification confirms that the detection module contains thecorrect blister card, method 700 proceeds to operation 706A whereinblister card 126 is monitored.

If, on the other hand, it is determined that the wrong blister card islocated in detection module 104, method 700 continues to operation 706B,wherein an alert is generated by electronics module 102 and/or externaldevice 120 denoting the inconsistency. In some embodiments, the alert isprovided to the user. In some embodiments, the alert is provided to theuser and/or a member of the user's care circle.

In some embodiments, detection module 104 incorporates indictors thatenable electronics module 102 to identify the actual brand of theblister card for which it is intended. In one exemplary approach, theindicators include passive electrical components realized from the PCBmetal layers, such as resistors and capacitors. In some embodiments, theidentification is accomplished by checking one or more of:

-   -   i. the value of such indicators; or    -   ii. metal layer or layers on which such indictors are placed; or    -   iii. circuit characteristics of how such indictors may be        interconnected; or    -   iv. any combination of i, ii, and iii.

Such indicators facilitate, for example, identification of counterfeitdetection modules produced by third parties. In some embodiments, theelectronics module refuses recognition of a detection module when theembedded indicators cannot be authenticated. In some embodiments,electronics module 102 incorporates one or more indicators to beauthenticated by the accompanying mobile application. These indicatorscan be realized from the electronics module's hardware, firmware, or acombination of both. In some embodiments, electronics module 102authenticates the accompanying mobile application being run by externaldevice 120 via software indicators incorporated in the application.

In some embodiments, detection module 104 includes additionalelectronics functionality via incorporation of memory electronics tostore identification data, intended brand information (e.g., a blistercard's physical characteristics data, etc.), a preamplifier tofacilitate better signal quality from sensor 402, an analog-to-digitalconvertor to improve data from the sensors by digitizing the signals onthe detection module before they are passed to the electronics module,and the like. While such additions add incremental cost to the detectionmodule, the additional cost is still low when compared to the componentsof the electronics module.

In many situations, a patient requires two or more medications that mustbe taken in adherence with a strict regimen. In accordance with thepresent disclosure, a plurality of smart pill cases can be combined intoa single unit.

FIGS. 8A-B depict schematic drawings of perspective views of amulti-prescription smart medicine case, before and after the opening ofone of the cases, respectively, in accordance with the presentdisclosure. Case 800 includes cases 100-1, 100-2, and 100-3 and hinges802-1, 802-2, and 802-3.

Each of cases 100-1, 100-2, and 100-3 is substantially identical to case100 described above.

Each of hinges 802-1, 802-2, and 802-3 is a conventional rotary hingethat is extendable such that case 800 can accommodate any practicalnumber of cases 100. To open an individual case, that case is rotatedout of alignment with the other cases to afford sufficient room to openits lid. In some embodiments, detents are included in the hinge designto establish the final position of a rotated case. In some embodiments,a hinge is spring-loaded to provide a self-powered swinging action.

In the depicted example, hinges 802-1, 802-2, and 802-3 are located at acorner of the electronics module; therefore, it does not interfere withthe opening/closing of any individual case.

One skilled in the art will recognize, after reading this Specification,that myriad designs for enabling incorporation of multiple cases, whileallowing for individual case access, are within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 9 depicts a schematic drawing of a perspective views of analternative example of a multi-prescription smart medicine case inaccordance with the present disclosure. Case 900 includes hinges (notshown) that enable the case to operate in a “laptop style”. In thedepicted example, the hinges are located on the side of the electronicsmodules to avoid interference with the opening of individual cases.Friction is typically used to maintain the rotational position of thehinges.

In some embodiments, a single electronics module is used to interface toa plurality of detection modules. Such embodiments provide a costadvantage over multi-case embodiments that include an electronics modulefor every detection module.

FIGS. 10A-B depicts schematic drawings of perspective views of the topand bottom, respectively, of another alternative example of amulti-prescription smart medicine case in accordance with the presentdisclosure. Case 1000 includes electronics module 1002, detectionmodules 1004-1 through 1004-3, rotating connectors 1006-1 and 1006-2,and fixed connector 1008.

Electronics module 1002 is analogous to electronics module 102; however,electronics module 1002 includes rotating connectors 1006-1 and 1006-2,and fixed connector 1008, which enables it to electrically couple withup to three detection modules.

Detection modules 1004-1 through 1004-3 are analogous to detectionmodule 104; however, detection modules 1004-1 through 1004-3 aredesigned to mate with connectors 1006-1, 1008, and 1006-2, respectively,which enables it to electrically couple with three detection modules.

Rotating connectors 1006-1 and 1006-2 are configured to function as bothmechanical and electrical interfaces for each of detection modules1004-1 and 1004-3. Each rotating connector is designed to enable itsrespective detection module to rotate away from detection module 1004-2,thereby enabling access to the blister pack contained in any of thedetection modules.

In similar fashion, fixed connector 1008 is configured to function asboth mechanical and electrical interfaces for detection module 1004-2,which does not need to rotate out of its quiescent position.

In the depicted example, rotating connectors 1006-1 and 1006-2 areconnected to electronics module 1002 via flexible electrical ribboncables, which provide articulation of the connectors when desired.

FIG. 10C shows a simplified view of the flex-circuit connections betweenrotating connectors 1006 and PCB 1012, which is included in electronicsmodule 1002.

Flex cables 1010-1 and 1010-2 are connected to rotating connectors1006-1 and 1006-2 at their distal ends, while their proximal ends areconnected to PCB 1012. It should be noted that the number of cablesoriginating from PCB 1012 is dependent on the maximum number ofdetection modules that can be accommodated in case 1000. The lengths offlex cables 1010-1 and 1010-2 are selected according to the requisitearticulation range of their respective detection modules.

FIG. 10D depicts case 1000 with detection module 1004-1 in a rotatedposition and opened to afford access to its blister card. With detectionmodule 1004-1 rotated away, access to detection module 1004-2 isenabled. In the depicted example, detection module 1004-3 is rotated inthe opposite direction to that of detector module 1004-1 to enableaccess to its content.

FIGS. 11A-B depicts schematic drawings of perspective views of anotheralternative example of a multi-prescription smart medicine case in itsquiescent state and with one detection module rotated out, respectively,in accordance with the present disclosure. Case 1100 includeselectronics module 1102, detection modules 1004-1 through 1004-3, andsliding connectors 1102-1 through 1102-3.

Electronics module 1102 is analogous to electronics module 102; however,electronics module 1102 includes translational track 1104, which enableseach of detection modules 1004-1 through 1004-3 to slide out of the wayof the detection modules underneath it.

Sliding connectors 1102-1 through 1102-3 are analogous to rotatingconnector 1006; however, each of sliding connectors 1102-1 through1102-3 includes pins for engaging translational track 1104.

Translational track 1104 is an electrically conductive track thatengages each of sliding connectors 1102-1 through 1102-3.

Translational track 1104 and sliding connectors 1102-1 through 1102-3are configured such that each sliding connector can move along thetranslational track to enable access to an underlying detection module.In this example, accessing the detection modules is analogous toflipping the pages of a book. The electronics module is designed suchthat its internal components do not interfere with the translationaltrack by, for example, locating them in the lower part of the moduleand/or in unused spaces on the sides of translational track.

FIG. 12 depicts another alternative modular pill case in accordance withthe present disclosure. Case 1200 is analogous to case 1100; however, incase 1200, the electronics module is expandable.

Specifically, electronics module 1202 includes base electronics module1204, intermediate extension module 1206, and end extension module 1208.

Base electronics module 1204 forms a base for any practical number ofintermediate extension modules 1206 and end extension module 1208.

Each extension module 1206 includes electrical routing and connectorsthat provide electrical connectivity between its corresponding detectionmodule and the electronics module, as well as pass-through electricalconnections that enable extension modules disposed on it to electricallyconnect with the electronics module.

End extension module 1208 is analogous to intermediate extension module1206, but has electrical connectors only on its bottom surface, since itis designed to terminate the extension module stack. In addition, endextension module 1208 includes a u-shaped translation track on eitherside to terminate the composite translation track and enable thedetection modules to flip over at the top of the extension module stack.

In some embodiments, an electrical bus is used to electrically connectextension and electronics modules, thereby reducing the amount ofcabling and number of connectors per module. In such embodiments, eachextension module includes the requisite electronics for identificationand multiplexed operation.

For many users, pushing a tablet through the lidding film of a blistercard can be difficult—particularly those suffering from arthritis and/orreduced strength. In addition, safety considerations can motivate makingit difficult to push pills out of a blister card, such as forchild-proof packaging.

FIG. 13 depicts another alternative embodiment of a modular pill case inaccordance with the present disclosure. Case 1300 includes stylus 1302and stylus seat 1304.

Case 1300 is analogous to case 100; however, in case 1300 the detectionmodule includes stylus seat 1304 for securing stylus 1302.

Stylus 1302 is a simple mechanical tool that is sufficiently rigid toenable it to exert enough pressure on a tablet to push it through thelidding film of its blister pack. Stylus 1302 has a tip whose shape isconfigured to enable it to remain on the blister during the act ofdispensing a tablet. Typically, the tip shape is based on the size andshape of the pill and its blister. For example, in some applications,the stylus tip is rounded concavely with a contour that conforms to theshape of the tablet.

In some embodiments, stylus 1302 is augmented by the addition of sensingcapability. Examples of smart stylus approaches in accordance with thepresent disclosure include, without limitation, inclusion of a sensorfor sensing when a pill is pushed through the lidding film. A smartstylus in accordance with the present disclosure can include, withoutlimitation:

-   -   i. a force sensor that detects a force that has been applied        against the tip of the stylus; or    -   ii. an electrical switch (e.g., ohmic, capacitive, etc.)        positioned to close (or open) in response to a force exerted on        the tip of the stylus; or    -   iii. a photodiode (or camera) that measures the light intensity        incident on the tip of the stylus, which would decrease when the        tip is on a pill blister; or    -   iv. a permanent magnet located at the tip of the stylus such        that it induces a current in a planar coil patterned on the PCB        underlying the blister card, where the coil is placed around the        PCB's push-through hole of a pill; or    -   v. a motion sensor (e.g., a 3-axis accelerometer) at or near the        stylus' tip that detects a sudden deceleration impact that is        indicative of the tip landing on a pill blister; or    -   vi. any combination of i, ii, iii, iv, and v.

It should be noted that the output of a sensor disposed on stylus 1302could be measured as a function of time to acquire a temporal profile ofthe applied force. This profile could then be compared to a referenceprofile indicative that a pill is (being) pushed through. In addition,the profile could be mined for additional user and pill dispensinginsight. Elaborating the sensing in a smart stylus enables thecollection of more and richer data.

For example, by tracking a motion sensor in stylus 1302, a user can beinstructed to tap a reference location prior to landing the stylus on apill blister. This reference location might, for example, be a pointmarked on the receiver under which the blister card is placed. Thelanding location of the stylus on the card, relative to the referencelocation, can then be estimated by integrating the output of theaccelerometer twice in time. This data can be used to identify thelocation on the blister card from which the pill is dispensed. Since theintegration time is very short, a consumer-grade accelerometer istypically sufficient for the required accuracy.

As another example, smart stylus that includes a camera chip at its tipcan provide a measurement of the light intensity incident on the tip ofthe stylus. In addition, the camera chip could be used to provide imagesof a tablet and its immediate surrounding area, thereby providingadditional data that facilitates identifying a pill and its location onthe blister card. Identifying the pill location could be enabled by, forexample, observing markings on the card itself, such as a printed pillnumber in the case of an OCP card.

In some embodiments, the stylus is battery-powered. In some embodiments,it is wirelessly powered. In some embodiments, it incorporatespower-saving capabilities, such as a wake-up circuit. In someembodiments, it incorporates logic, memory, and wireless communicationprovisions. In some embodiments, it incorporates fingerprint sensing foruser authentication.

The concepts described herein can be integrated into a medicationadherence appliance. Such an appliance would be analogous, for example,to an 8-track music player, wherein, when an 8-track tape containingsongs of an album is inserted into the player, the music on tracksbecomes accessible to the listener. In this example, a detection modulein accordance with the present disclosure is analogous to the tape,blisters on the card are analogous to the tracks, the pills areanalogous to the music, and the electronics module is analogous to theplayer.

Similar to the 8-track player, in some embodiments, the insertion andejection of a detection module is articulated with an electronicallycontrolled mechanism incorporated into the appliance. In someembodiments, the stylus used to eject the pills is articulated with anelectronically controlled mechanism, programmed to go to an intendedblister site-either open loop or closed loop using detectable sitemarkers—to push a pill through. The detection module might not have alid since it is inserted into the appliance, further simplifying accessby the autonomous stylus.

Such an appliance can be expanded to allow multiple detection modules,in much the same way that tape and compact disk players were developedto handle multiple tapes and compact disks, respectively. In similarfashion, such an appliance might be combined into a larger appliance(e.g., a car, computer, TV, etc.), furniture and built-ins (e.g., nightstands, kitchen cabinets, etc.), or be placed on a countertop as astandalone unit.

A medication adherence appliance in accordance with the presentdisclosure can include a wide range of additional electronic andautomation capabilities for added features and benefits. For example,electronics capabilities could include one or more displays forvisualization, cameras for imaging, microphones for recording, speakersfor audio, finger print sensor for user authentication, as well asradio, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, etc. Such capabilitieswould be applicable to single smart pill cases or multiple units of pillcases.

In many situations, medication is provided to the patient in a pillbottle. In these cases, the contents of the bottle would requiretransfer to a suitable blister-card equivalent in order to employ asmart medicine case in accordance with the present disclosure. Theability to accomplish such a transfer without additional tooling andsupplies for blister card packaging would be advantageous.

FIGS. 14 depicts an exploded perspective view of an exemplarypseudo-blister card in accordance with the present disclosure. Card 1400comprises lidding-film tray 1402 and forming-film cap 1404.

Lidding-film tray 1402 includes a plurality of blister sites 1406, whichcomprise regions of lidding film 1414 located within open regions ofsubstantially rigid frame 1408. Typically frame 1408 is made of a rigidplastic and lidding film 1414 is a thin sheet of a metal, such asaluminum; however, other materials can be used. Since it is broken ateach blister site as its contents are dispensed, lidding-film tray 1402is typically disposable and a new lidding-film tray would be needed oncethe pseudo-blister card is exhausted. In some embodiments, alidding-film tray can be re-used simply by replacing lidding film 1414.

Forming-film cap 1404 includes forming-film membrane 1410, which issuspended from substantially rigid frame 1412.

To populate card 1400, a user places the intended tablets into eachblister site 1406. Once all of the intended blister sites are populatedwith their proper tablets, the user places forming-film cap 1404 ontothe lidding film tray. Typically, frame 1412 is designed to fit over theperiphery of frame 1408. The populated pseudo-blister card can then beused with a compatible detection module or smart tablet case, asdescribed above vis-à-vis commercially provided blister cards.

Card 1400 is configured to fit any practical desired number, shape, andsize of blister sites. In the depicted example, card 1400 includes ninerectilinear blister sites 1406, each intended to hold a single tablet;however, any practical shape and/or number of blister sites can be used.Examples of suitable blister-site shapes include, without limitation,circular, elliptical, hexagonal, etc. The number of blister sites andtheir arrangement is typically determined based on a variety ofconsiderations, including the medication refill cycle, frequency ofreplenishment by the caregiver, and the like. For example, OCP blistercards are available in weekly prescriptions having a 1×7 arrangementblister-site format, 28-day OCP cards having a 4×7 arrangement format,among others.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, at least one blister site 1406contains more than one tablet, such as when a higher dose of onemedication is required and/or to facilitate a combination dose ofdifferent medications. In some embodiments, blister sites 1406 on asingle pseudo-blister card are non-uniform to enable it to contain a mixof different tablet sizes and shapes.

Preferably, the portion of lidding-film 1414 functioning as the bottomof each blister site is contoured during manufacture so that tabletswill slide toward the centers of their respective site. For example, insome embodiments, the lidding film is provided a convex (i.e., elevated)surface around the periphery of the site and a concave (depressed)surface near the center of the site. In some embodiments, one or more ofthe blister sites are not contoured.

In some embodiments, lidding film tray 1404 is used in a “flipped-over”configuration, in which the lidding film is contoured and has a concavesurface right from the site's periphery.

In some embodiments, forming-film cap 1404 is made reusable by employingan elastic material for membrane 1410. As a result, the membrane canrecover its original shape after the content of a blister site contentis dispensed. Materials suitable for use in reusable membrane 1410include, without limitation, rubber-like polymers, elastomers, and thelike.

In some embodiments, markings (e.g., text, signs, colors, etc.) areprinted on forming-film cap 1404 to support the user's adherence and/orindicate medication information. Examples of such markings include,without limitation, numbers for days, medication name, dosinginformation, etc. In some embodiments, such information is provided inthe form of stickers that can be adhered to the forming-film cap.

FIG. 15 depicts a cross-sectional drawing of a portion of an alternativedetection system suitable for use in detection module 104. Detectionmodule 1500 includes planar coils 1502, which are arranged on asubstrate (not shown) in an arrangement that matches that of the tabletsof blister card 126.

Planar coils 1502 are concentric coils of electrically conductivematerial that is disposed on a substrate. Planar coils 1502 includeinside coil 1502A and outside coil 1502B. Typically, the substrate islocated on the underside of lid 318. When lid 318 is closed, each coilpair is moved into proximity with a different one of reservoirs 136.Since the permeability of an empty reservoir is different than that of areservoir that contains a tablet 128, a difference in the magnetic fluxdensity coupling the coils can be readily detected in each case. Thedetected difference indicates the content state of a reservoir. Pushinga current through one coil and measuring the induced current in theother enables measurement of the mutual inductance of a coil pair.

It is to be understood that the disclosure teaches just exemplaryembodiments and that many variations can easily be devised by thoseskilled in the art after reading this disclosure and that the scope ofthe present invention is to be determined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A modular case for monitoring the state of afirst blister card that includes a first forming film, a first liddingfilm, and a first tablet contained in a first reservoir defined by thefirst forming film and the first lidding film, wherein the modular casecomprises: (1) a first detection module comprising: (i) a first housingfor holding the first blister card; (ii) a first receiver that includesa seat and a frame that is movable relative to the seat; and (iii) afirst sensor that is operative for providing a first electrical signalthat is based on at least one of (a) the presence of the first tablet inthe first reservoir and (b) the physical state of a first dispensingregion of the first lidding film; wherein the seat and frame arecollectively configured to reversibly locate the first blister card in afirst position in which the blister card and first sensor areoperatively coupled; (2) a first electronics module comprising: (i)first sensor circuitry that is operative for measuring the firstelectrical signal; (ii) first communications circuitry configured tocommunicate with an external device; and (iii) a second housing forenclosing the first sensor circuitry and the first communicationscircuitry; and (3) a first electrical interface that is configured toreversibly electrically couple the first sensor and the first sensorcircuitry, wherein the first electrical interface includes a firstsocket and a first plug, and wherein the first electronics modulecomprises one of the first plug and the first socket, and wherein thefirst detection module comprises the other one of the first plug and thefirst socket.
 2. The modular case of claim 1 further comprising (4) afirst mechanical interface that is configured to physically align andreversibly mechanically couple the first housing and the second housingand physically align the first electronics module and the firstdetection module and physically align the first socket and first plug.3. The modular case of claim 1 further comprising (4) a first latch thatis configured to reversibly lock the first electronics module and firstdetection module together.
 4. The modular case of claim 1 wherein thefirst electronics module further includes (iv) sleep-mode circuitry thatis operative for putting the first electronics module into alow-power-dissipation mode and activate the first electronics module inresponse to an environmental stimulus such that the first electronicsmodule exits the low-power-dissipation mode.
 5. The modular case ofclaim 1 wherein the first sensor is a capacitance sensor configured toprovide the first signal based on a first capacitance whose magnitude isbased on the state of the first dispensing region.
 6. The modular caseof claim 5 wherein the first sensor includes: a first electrode thatlies in a first plane that is substantially parallel with the firstdispensing region when the blister card is in the first position.
 7. Themodular case of claim 6 wherein the first electrode includes a firstportion and a second portion that define a first capacitor having thefirst capacitance, and wherein the first capacitance is based on afringing field between the dispensing region and the first electrode. 8.The modular case of claim 6 wherein the first sensor further includes asecond electrode that lies in a second plane that is substantiallyparallel with the first plane, wherein the second plane is between thefirst plane and the lidding film when the blister card is in the firstposition.
 9. The modular case of claim 8 wherein the first electrode isconfigured to function as an electrical shield for the second electrode.10. The modular case of claim 9 wherein the second electrode includes afirst portion and a second portion that define a first capacitor havingthe first capacitance, and wherein the first capacitance is based on afringing field between the dispensing region and the first electrode.11. The modular case of claim 6 wherein the first sensor furtherincludes a second electrode and a third electrode, and wherein thesecond electrode lies in a second plane that is between the first planeand the lidding film when the blister card is in the first position, andwherein the third electrode lies in a third plane, the first plane beingbetween the second plane and the third plane, and further wherein thesecond electrode and the third electrode collectively define anelectrical shield for the first electrode.
 12. The modular case of claim1 further comprising: (4) a second detection module, the seconddetection module comprising: (i) a third housing for holding a secondblister card; (ii) a second receiver that is configured to locate thesecond blister card in a second position within the second housing; and(iii) a second sensor that is configured to operatively couple with thesecond blister card when the second blister card is in the secondposition such that the second sensor is operative for providing a secondelectrical signal that is based on at least one of (a) the presence ofthe second tablet in the second reservoir and (b) the physical state ofa second dispensing region of the second lidding film; and (5) a secondelectrical interface that is configured to reversibly electricallycouple the second sensor and the first sensor circuitry, wherein thesecond electrical interface includes a second socket and a second plug,and wherein the first electronics module comprises one of the secondplug and the second socket, and wherein the second detection modulecomprises the other one of the second plug and the second socket;wherein the first sensor circuitry is further operative for measuringthe second electrical signal.
 13. The modular case of claim 1 furthercomprising: (4) a second detection module, the second detection modulecomprising: (i) a third housing for holding a second blister card; (ii)a second receiver that is configured to locate the second blister cardin a second position within the third housing; and (iii) a second sensorthat is configured to operatively couple with the second blister cardwhen the second blister card is in the second position such that thesecond sensor is operative for providing a second electrical signal thatis based on at least one of (a) the presence of the second tablet in thesecond reservoir and (b) the physical state of a second dispensingregion of the second lidding film; (5) a second electronics modulecomprising: (i) second sensor circuitry that is operative for measuringthe second electrical signal; (ii) second communications circuitryconfigured to communicate with the external device; and (iii) a fourthhousing for enclosing the second sensor circuitry and the secondcommunications circuitry; and (6) a second electrical interface that isconfigured to reversibly electrically couple the second sensor and thesecond sensor circuitry, wherein the second electrical interfaceincludes a second socket and a second plug, and wherein the secondelectronics module comprises one of the second plug and the secondsocket, and wherein the second detection module comprises the other oneof the second plug and the second socket; wherein the first electricalmodule and the second electrical module are physically coupled.
 14. Themodular case of claim 1 further comprising (4) a stylus, wherein thestylus includes a second sensor that is selected from the groupconsisting of a force sensor, an electrical switch that is actuated by aforce exerted between the stylus and the first reservoir, a photodiode,a magnetic sensor, and a motion sensor.
 15. The modular case of claim 1wherein the first sensor includes a first plurality of electrodes thatarranged around the periphery of the first lidding film and electricallycoupled with the first lidding film when the first blister card islocated in the first receiver.
 16. The modular case of claim 15 whereinthe first plurality of electrodes is arranged to enable afour-point-probe measurement of at least a portion of the first liddingfilm.
 17. The modular case of claim 1 wherein the first sensor isselected from the group consisting of a strain sensor, an opticalsensor, an acoustic sensor, and a tactile sensor.
 18. The modular caseof claim 1 wherein the first housing includes a body and a lid that ismovable relative to the body, the lid having an open position and aclosed position, and wherein the first sensor includes a magnetic sensorhaving a first planar coil and a second planar coil, the first andsecond planar coils being concentric and disposed on the lid such thatthe magnetic sensor is configured to detect the permeability of thefirst reservoir when the lid is in the closed position.
 19. The modularcase of claim 1 wherein the first detection module includes at least oneindicator that enables at least one of (i) identification of the brandof the first blister card and (ii) detection that the first blister cardis counterfeit.
 20. A method for monitoring the state of at least oneblister card, wherein the method comprises: (1) providing a firstdetection module comprising: (i) a first housing for holding a firstblister card, wherein the first blister card includes a first formingfilm, a first lidding film, and a first plurality of tablets, eachtablet of the first plurality thereof being held within a differentfirst reservoir of a plurality thereof, the plurality of firstreservoirs being arranged in a first arrangement, and each firstreservoir of the plurality thereof including a first dispensing region;(ii) a first receiver that includes a seat and a frame that is movablerelative to the seat; and (iii) a first plurality of sensors that isarranged in the first arrangement, the first plurality of sensors beingoperative for providing a first plurality of electrical signals, eachelectrical signal of the first plurality thereof being based on at leastone of (a) the presence of a different tablet of the first pluralitythereof and (b) the state of a different first dispensing region of theplurality thereof; wherein the seat and frame are collectivelyconfigured to reversibly locate the first blister card within the firsthousing such that the first blister card and first plurality of sensorsare operatively coupled; and (2) reversibly electrically coupling thefirst detection module and a first electronics module at a firstelectrical interface comprising a first socket and a first plug, whereinthe first electronics module includes: (i) first sensor circuitry thatis operative for measuring each electrical signal of the first pluralitythereof; (ii) first communications circuitry configured to communicatewith an external device; and (iii) a second housing for enclosing thefirst sensor circuitry and the first communications circuitry; whereinthe first electronics module comprises one of the first plug and thefirst socket, and wherein the first detection module comprises the otherone of the first plug and the first socket.
 21. The method of claim 20further comprising: (3) locating the first blister card in the firstdetection module; (4) determining a physical state of the first blistercard based on the first plurality of electrical signals; and (5)comparing the physical state of the first blister card with an expectedstate of the first blister card, wherein the expected state is based ona predetermined prescription regimen for the first plurality of tablets;and (6) providing a first output signal based on the physical state ofthe first blister card relative to the expected state.
 22. The method ofclaim 20 further comprising verifying the compatibility of the firstblister card and the first detection module by operations comprising:(3) determining the number of sensors in the first detection module; (4)providing the identity of the first blister card to the external device,wherein the identity denotes the number of tablets in the first blistercard; (5) making a first comparison between the number of sensors in thefirst detection module and the number of tablets in the first blistercard; and (6) issuing a first status signal based on the firstcomparison.
 23. The method of claim 20 further comprising: reversiblyphysically coupling the first detection module and the first electronicsmodule via a mechanical interface having a first portion that isincluded in one of the first detection module and the first electronicsmodule and a second portion included in the other one of the firstdetection module and the first electronics module, wherein the first andsecond portions are configured to enable only one orientation betweenthe first detection module and the first electronics module when theyare physically coupled.
 24. The method of claim 20 wherein the firstdetection module is provided such each of the plurality of sensors is acapacitance sensor configured to provide a different electrical signalof the first plurality thereof based on a first capacitance whosemagnitude is based on the state of its respective first dispensingregion.
 25. The method of claim 24 wherein each of the plurality ofsensors includes: a first electrode that lies in a first plane that issubstantially parallel with a different dispensing region of theplurality thereof when the blister card is in the first position. 26.The method of claim 25 wherein the first electrode includes a firstportion and a second portion that define a first capacitor having thefirst capacitance, and wherein the first capacitance is based on afringing field between the dispensing region and the first electrode.27. The method of claim 25 wherein each sensor of the plurality thereoffurther includes a second electrode that lies in a second plane that issubstantially parallel with the first plane, wherein the second plane isbetween the first plane and the lidding film when the blister card is inthe first position.
 28. The method of claim 25 wherein the first sensorfurther includes a second electrode and a third electrode, and whereinthe second electrode lies in a second plane that is between the firstplane and the lidding film when the blister card is in the firstposition, and wherein the third electrode lies in a third plane, thefirst plane being between the second plane and the third plane, andfurther wherein the second electrode and the third electrodecollectively define an electrical shield for the first electrode. 29.The method of claim 20 further comprising: (3) providing a seconddetection module, the second detection module comprising: (i) a thirdhousing for holding a second blister card, wherein the second blistercard includes a second forming film, a second lidding film, and a secondplurality of tablets, each tablet of the second plurality thereof beingheld within a different second reservoir of a plurality thereof, theplurality of second reservoirs being arranged in a second arrangement,and each second reservoir of the plurality thereof including a seconddispensing region; (ii) a second receiver that is configured to locatethe second blister card in a second position within the third housing;and (iii) a second plurality of sensors that is arranged in the secondarrangement, the second plurality of sensors being operative forproviding a second plurality of electrical signals, each electricalsignal of the second plurality thereof being based on at least one of(a) the presence of a different tablet of the second plurality thereofand (b) the state of a different second dispensing region of theplurality thereof; and (4) reversibly electrically coupling the seconddetection module and the first electronics module at a second electricalinterface comprising a second socket and a second plug, wherein thefirst electronics module comprises one of the second plug and the secondsocket, and wherein the second detection module comprises the other oneof the second plug and the second socket; wherein the first sensorcircuitry is further operative for measuring the second electricalsignal.
 30. The method of claim 20 further comprising: (3) providing asecond detection module, the second detection module comprising: (i) athird housing for holding a second blister card, wherein the secondblister card includes a second forming film, a second lidding film, anda second plurality of tablets, each tablet of the second pluralitythereof being held within a different second reservoir of a pluralitythereof, the plurality of second reservoirs being arranged in a secondarrangement, and each second reservoir of the plurality thereofincluding a second dispensing region; (ii) a second receiver that isconfigured to locate the second blister card in a second position withinthe third housing; and (iii) a second plurality of sensors that isarranged in the second arrangement, the second plurality of sensorsbeing operative for providing a second plurality of electrical signals,each electrical signal of the second plurality thereof being based on atleast one of (a) the presence of a different tablet of the secondplurality thereof and (b) the state of a different second dispensingregion of the plurality thereof; and (4) reversibly electricallycoupling the second detection module and a second electronics module ata second electrical interface comprising a second socket and a secondplug, wherein the first electronics module comprises one of the secondplug and the second socket, and wherein the second detection modulecomprises the other one of the second plug and the second socket, andwherein the second electronics module comprises: (i) second sensorcircuitry that is operative for measuring each electrical signal of thesecond plurality thereof; (ii) second communications circuitryconfigured to communicate with the external device; and (iii) a fourthhousing for enclosing the second sensor circuitry and the secondcommunications circuitry; and (5) a second electrical interface that isconfigured to reversibly electrically couple the second sensor and thesecond sensor circuitry, wherein the second electrical interfaceincludes a second socket and a second plug, and wherein the secondelectronics module comprises one of the second plug and the secondsocket, and wherein the second detection module comprises the other oneof the second plug and the second socket.
 31. The method of claim 21wherein the first output signal includes an alert that indicates arefill of the blister card is due.
 32. The method of claim 27 whereinthe first electrode is configured to function as an electrical shieldfor the second electrode.
 33. The method of claim 32 wherein the secondelectrode includes a first portion and a second portion that define afirst capacitor having the first capacitance, and wherein the firstcapacitance is based on a fringing field between the dispensing regionand the first electrode.